Recommended Replacement Axle For Axle With Obsolete L44649 and LM11949 Bearing Combination

Updated 05/14/2025 | Published 06/06/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2

(873)

$71.71

Dexter Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs

(406)

$328.19

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649

(2077)

$14.51

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - LM11949

(2077)

$3.57

Question:

5lug 4.5 bolt pattern 1 1/16 inner bearing and 3/4 outer bearing

asked by: JORGE D

Expert Reply:

I have a replacement axle option for you, but unfortunately we do not carry a hub that uses inner bearing # L44649 (1-1/16") and outer bearing # LM11949 (3/4"), and I was unable to find such a hub from any other vendors.

The best option is going to be replacing the axle with one that uses a more common bearing combination to make finding replacement parts now and in the future easier.

Based on the bearing combination you have your axle is more than likely a 2000lb axle but you will want to confirm this, and measure the axle hub face to hub face, and spring center to spring center.

You can verify the axle rating by checking the axle tag on the center of the axle, or if the tag is missing you can get a rough idea of the by finding the GVWR of the trailer and dividing it by the number of axles.

For example the Dexter Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs # 20545I-ST-60-15 is a 2000lb axle with a 60" hub face to hub face measurement and a 48" spring center to spring center measurement as shown in the included diagram.

If you find your axle has a different axle rating or length just let me know.

I included a video of the # 20545I-ST-60-15 for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

Dimensions Of # 20545I-ST-60-15
(click to enlarge)

Lloyd B.

5/3/2025

I'm looking to upgrade my 4 bolt hubs to a 5x4.5 bolt pattern hub. My issue like most others is that the original drum set up has that oddball tapered axle that uses the L44649 and LM11949 bearings. I had recently found a hub that came close but was a bit too long for the axle [ didn't leave enough threads to attach the nut]. it was made by Ramptech / sage Part # 324063. the axle spring center to center measures about 56 3/4" and the hub face to face is around 69" . Is there an axle that you can suggest that would serve as a replacement so I can use the 5 lug wheels Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks.

Kate F.

5/13/2025

@LloydB I double checked our hubs, and you are correct for looking to swap out your axle. I am not sure on what kind of capacity you are looking for, but the closest thing we have would be 72" hub face, with a 58" spring center. The Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 72" Long - 2,200 lbs # 20545I-EZ-72-10 is rated for 2,200 pounds, and will come with 5 on 4 1/2" idler hubs (no brakes). What is the capacity you are looking for, and do you need brakes? And how "around" is the 69" hub face? Just trying to clarify because the measurements do need to be precise.

Helpful Links

tv-install-dexter-trailer-idler-axle-with-hubs-2012-ram-2500-20545i-ez-72-10.aspx

Lloydb

5/13/2025

@KateF The capacity should've been around 2000lbs. No brakes needed [ it was solely for light duty hauling]. About 69 1/4 to be as exact as I can be. We did some more digging on line and did eventually find a suitable replacement axle coming in ar 71/58. So it should be a good enough fit if not give a decent starting point to make it work. Thank you for responding with the info. It really helped to confirm that we were on the right track.

Kate F.

5/14/2025

@Lloydb I am happy to hear that you found a hub that will work for you Lloyd! If you ever have any questions in the future, you know where to find us =)